COMPUTERS AND DOCTORING

A recent article in the NY Times decries the use of computers and mobile devices in the care of patients, with the concern that patients are becoming ‘secondary’ to the interaction with the latest gadgetry.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/15/health/as-doctors-use-more-devices-potential-for-distraction-grows.html?_r=2

I know this is a struggle, as I’ve been using the computer in my exam rooms for years. It is a very useful tool….but importantly, it needs to assist, not interfere, with the interpersonal interaction.

I will continue to stay ‘patient focused’ and will attempt to keep the computer-ese to a minimum. Please point out of this is not the case and you feel that it is interfering with our interaction.